Students spearhead coat drive

Thursday

PANAMA CITY — More than 200 people will have a warmer winter thanks to 11 students.

PANAMA CITY — More than 200 people will have a warmer winter thanks to 11 students.

St. John’s Catholic School Student Council members and the sixth-grade homeroom spearheaded a coat drive on campus trying to surpass last year’s collection of 146 coats. They gathered 221.

Their teacher Andrea Kopp said she’s proud of her students for exemplifying what they learn every day.

“There’s a very strong spirit of giving at St. John’s; it’s a basic part of Catholic social teaching, to give to those in need,” Kopp said. “Not only do we have excellent academics, we really strive to live the faith out, not only in school, but in the community, at home, at our churches.”

The coats were for Catholic Charities, which supports families in need and other organizations with that mission. Tara Catalano-Smith, executive director of the Catholic Charities Thrift Store, said it was a welcome gift.

“We have 70 families currently on the waiting list for Catholic Charities,” Catalano-Smith said. “We have another 30 children at Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center that are without coats. The rest of the jackets will be dispersed between Anchorage Children’s Home and Claire’s House and some of the area elementary schools.”

She also said the coats were set for immediate delivery to those in need; no one would have to wait for Christmas.

Catherine Walters, 13-year-old eighth-grader and Student Council president, said they wanted to help others.

“I think it’s a good thing we did this coat drive because I feel that every child and adult should have a coat during the wintertime to keep them warm,” Walters said. “It’s a nice thing to do and it’s what God would want us to do.”

This was the second annual coat drive and will be followed by a toy drive, sponsored by the kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes, now through Dec. 21.

Catalano-Smith said if anyone would like to add to the coats gathered by the students, they can be dropped off at the thrift store, 2922 E. Business 98 or call 850-769-5379 for pick-up.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.